Sergeant Major retires at Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany

MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE-ALBANY – Marines at Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany said farewell to Sgt. Maj. Chad Coston Thursday morning as he heads into retirement.

Coston enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps on June 1, 1994 and served three decades. In that time, he held a multitude of duties, including Section Leader, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant for Lima Company 3rd Battalion 3rd Marines. His deployments and operational experience span from the Korean Marine Exchange Program to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Coston began working as the installation Sergeant Major for MCLB-Albany in 2022.

Officials at the base hosted a retirement ceremony for Coston Thursday in honor of his service and his family’s support during his three-decade career.

Coston served in the Marines under five U.S. presidents, 10 commandants and nine sergeant majors before him. He saw many changes in the service: from the introduction of women into combat, sweeping force design changes like switching from tanks and artillery in favor of long-range missiles and drones.

Base Commanding Officer Matthew McKinney said the rank of Sergeant Major is the pinnacle of enlisted ranks. He said anyone who serves three decades of military service leaves behind a huge legacy. In his two years in Albany, Coston left behind a legacy that will touch Marines beyond his time.

McKinney said Coston took on a father-and-mentor role, engaging with Marines on a personal level. He said even the small actions Coston took made a huge difference in many lives.

“He’s touched all of our lives, and we are sad to see him go,” McKinney said. “Your legacy as a leader will continue as an example.”

Coston helped establish the Veterans Education Career Transition Resource Center in Albany. VECTR is supposed to be a one-stop shop for veterans seeking benefits, employment and education opportunities, entrepreneurship and community resources. 

“When I first enlisted all those years ago, I could not have imagined the impact that this institution would have on my life,” Coston said. “The Marine Corps has been more than a job to me. It’s been a calling, a way of life and a family.”

Coston completed the DoD Skillbridge program for active-duty service members to train and learn with industry employment partners. 

He said a number of potential career opportunities are waiting for him. He said he hopes to become a Georgia State Game Warden

Staff Photo: Lucille Lannigan

Staff Photo: Lucille Lannigan

Staff Photo: Lucille Lannigan